Former Region of Peel employee, husband charged in fraud case

(Photo: Peel Regional Police/file)

BY KELLY ROCHE

A former Region of Peel employee was arrested and charged Friday for allegedly manipulating people to file false benefits claims – for spiritual healing services provided by her husband – then personally approving them and pocketing a cut to the tune of $50,000.
Investigators began looking into her once a complaint stemmed from a service provider. The woman worked as an Ontario Works Assistance Program case worker for the Region of Peel from August 21, 2009 to June 6, 2014.
She was responsible for issuing funds to people who met specific criteria for eligibility in receiving monetary benefits from the Region of Peel.
The woman was fired in June 2014.
Peel Police allege the suspect convinced people to file false claims for benefits offered by the Region and introduced clients to her common-law spouse, who’s also being charged. He posed as a spiritual healer, offering his services and collecting payment.
Police allege the woman “benefitted financially and misused her authority as she had access to the co-accused’s case file and issued him funds he was not eligible for.”
Sandra Samaroo, 50, of Toronto, is charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust.
Mootilal Ramphal, 57, of Toronto is charged with fraud over $5,000.

They’re scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 12.

Police believe there are more victims and are asking them to get in touch. Anyone with information can contact the fraud unit at (905) 453-2121 ext. 3330 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.